The Cocoa tree is the source of one of the world's most delicious and familiar products; chocolate. The edible properties of Cacao were discovered over 2000 years ago by the indigenous people of Central America living deep in the tropical rainforests. The scientific name Theobroma cacao was given to the species by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, when he published it in his ground-breaking book Species Plantarum.
Theobroma means 'Food of the Gods" in Latin and Cacao is derived from the Aztec language word xocolatl, from xococ (bitter) and atl (water). Peruvian Cacao has in recent years won many international prizes for having the finest quality in the world, e.g. winning the Gold Medal seven consecutive years at the prestigious London-based organization Academy of Chocolate.
Chocolate is more than just a delicacy, it is a true and exceptionally nutrient-dense Superfood that is used in an array of medicinal purposes, such as; improves cardiovascular health by reducing systematic inflammation; improves and maintains flexible and elastic arteries, which are major risk factors for a heart attack; lowers blood pressure; improves cholesterol profile by increasing "good" HDL and lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol; reduces the risk of stroke in people who consume Cacao regularly (about 50 grams each week); may prevent the onset of type II diabetes; reduces stress and fatigue; blocks inflammation in IBD/IBS diseases (e.g. Crohn´s & Ulcerative Colitis); strengthens immunity against allergies; potentially prevents colon cancer tumor growth and other cancerous diseases; improves cognitive function (memory and thought processing), which may lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s & Parkinson´s diseases; as well as increases the sense of well-being and acts as a natural aphrodisiac. (Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/pubmed/19838930)
Raw natural Cacao powder is different from the common “cocoa” most of us grew up with. Normal cocoa and chocolate have been chemically processed and roasted, which destroys a large amount of the beneficial antioxidants and flavanols that combat free radicals and keep cell structures intact and healthy. It has been verified that between 60% and 90% of the original antioxidants in Cacao are lost through industrial processing to reduce the bitterness, darken the colour and create a more mellow flavour to chocolate. Industrial Cacao has also been treated heavily with toxic pesticides and fumigation chemicals and may contain genetically modified (GMO) products.
100% percent natural Cacao powder in contrast has bountiful benefits, of which the following are some;
Antioxidant. Cacao has 3,3 times the antioxidant contents of blueberries, which is the plant outside of the South American Rainforest with the highest content of antioxidants and thereby effectively preventing the formation of e.g. cancer cells.
Rich in Iron. Highest plant-based source of iron with an amazing 7,3 mg per 3,5 ounces - 100 grams - to compare with e.g. spinach at 3,6 mg.
Rich in Magnesium. 100% raw Cacao contains among the highest levels of magnesium in the plant kingdom, with 680 mg per 3,5 ounces - 100 grams, for healthy heart and brain functions. Magnesium is the most deficient mineral in the Western world. It is important for maintaining a healthy heart and helps turn glucose into energy enabling the brain to work with sharp clarity and focus, as well as helps to prevent insomnia, stress and anxiety.
Rich in Calcium. More calcium than cow’s milk at 160 ml g per 3,5 ounces - 100 grams - compared with only 125 mg per 100 ml of milk.
Anti-depressant. A natural mood elevator and antidepressant. 100% raw natural Cacao powder is a great source of four scientifically proven beneficial chemicals; serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenyl ethylamine, which transforms into melatonin. These neuro-transmitters are associated with comfortable feelings of wellbeing, happiness and can even alleviate depression as well as prevent insomnia.
How to Incorporate Cacao into your diet: If you have never eaten 100% raw Cacao before, be prepared for a taste that you may find bitter. You might prefer to work your way up by gradually increasing the content of Cacao you consume. Always check that you are buying unsweetened powder, e.g. Amazon Superfoods Cacao, instead of cocoa mixes with sugar.
Here are 7 ways to reap the health benefits of Amazon Superfoods Cacao:
Smoothies: Make a delicious chocolate smoothie by adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw Cacao powder. You can use Cacao nibs on top of your smoothie to add a crunch to your treat. Try out nibs on assorted goodies such as ice cream, granola mix, or muffins.
Raw brownies: Brownies, containing raw Cacao powder, are great for vegan and paleo lifestyles since the brownies are free of dairy, sugar, wheat and gluten.
Baked goods: Cacao powder is also great for use in biscotti, chocolate strawberry shortcakes, puddings, cookies and cakes. You can even use this powder in paleo chocolate zucchini bread.
Cacao bar: Enjoy a bar or a few squares of 100% raw Cacao powder. You can enjoy this treat with your favorite smoothie and a handful of nuts or fruit.
Chocolate milk: Use almond or coco milk, as research indicates it is possible that cow’s milk lessens the effectiveness of calcium and the other qualities of Cacao. You will need 1 tablespoon of Cacao powder, 1 to 2 tablespoons of organic sweetener and 1 cup of milk. If you like your beverages cold, let the Cacao powder and sweetener dissolve first in 1 tablespoon of hot milk. After that, add ice cubes and cold milk.
Hot chocolate: If you prefer hot beverages, use the above recipe, but heat the milk mixture over the stove to warm it up.
Snack bars: You really only need four ingredients for delicious snack bars and one of the ingredients can be Cacao powder, with another being Cacao nibs. Cashews and dates round out the recipe.
(Source: https://www.naturespath.com/en-us/blog/the-health-benefits-of-cacao)
The Cacao powder marketed by the Amazon Superfoods Company is 100% natural as the seed pods are cultivated and harvested in a chemical free and organic environment by independent local and indigenous communities living deep in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest.
